Ejection Fraction with an iPhone
Noninvasive measurement of ejection fraction with an iPhone app is possible and very accurate. When this becomes publicly available, it will be a game changer.
No Mag for You, Baby
Don't use IV magnesium for bronchiolitis. It doesn't work, and it may cause harm.
Why We Use Low Tidal Volume for Acute Lung Injury
Low tidal volume ventilation reduced mortality in patients with acute lung injury. If you want to learn more, see this post on Managing the Vent Like a Pro.
Coffee Could Save Your Life – New Evidence
Not only is coffee not bad for you, it could save your life! This study of over half a million people in 10 European countries found coffee consumption was associated with decreased overall mortality in men and women.
Ap-Ox Works – New Meta-analyses
Blasting nasal cannula oxygen (apneic oxygenation) during endotracheal intubation of ED patients led to higher O2 saturation, decreased episodes of desaturation, and improved first-pass success.
Don’t Rely on CT to Rule Out Open Globe
CT was specific for open globe but not sensitive. The best CT predictors of open globe were change in globe contour and vitreous hemorrhage. Open globe is a clinical or surgical diagnosis. CT alone can't rule it out.
Wait-and-See Antibiotics for Otitis Media
Allowing parents the option to wait and see if their child did not improve or worsened in 48 hours after the diagnosis of acute otitis media in the ED vs. filling the prescription right away resulted in a dramatic reduction in antibiotic use with little downside in this RCT.
What Lurks in Infant CSF These Days?
E. coli and GBS were the most common pathogens causing meningitis in infants under 90 days in this cohort. Add ampicillin for the first month to cover Listeria. If gram-negative meningitis is present, consider changing to a carbapenem (like meropenem).
Nebulized Hot Salts – What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Hypertonic saline nebulized treatments did not reduce hospitalization in children with bronchiolitis in this large RCT.
FAST Exam Useless in Stable Kids
FAST exam didn't have an impact on the care of stable children with torso trauma.